********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority today (October 21) announced the appointment of Ms Sylvia Fung Yuk-kuen as the Chief Manager (Nursing) at Head Office to succeed Dr Susie Lum who retired in May. Ms Fung will assume office on December 1.
Hospital Authority Chief Executive Mr Shane Solomon said he was delighted to announce the appointment. After an extensive search of the private sector, local universities and around the world, the selection panel was unanimous in its decision to appoint Ms Fung from within the authority. "Currently serving as the Cluster General Manager (Nursing) of Kowloon West Cluster, Ms Fung has proved herself to be a truly professional nurse and leader with exceptional communication skills and outstanding vision for nurses. She has also been extensively involved in system-wide nursing developments over the years," Mr Solomon said.
"The Chief Nurse will lead the many challenges ahead for nursing in the Hospital Authority, including improving retention, ensuring adequate supply of nurses, addressing the workload of nurses, enhancing working conditions, expanding career opportunities within the authority, offering more training opportunities, and building up nurse leadership."
Mr Solomon said the newly appointed Chief Nurse would join his core leadership team and become a member of the Hospital Authority Directors' Meeting which is the key operational planning and decision making forum in the authority.
Ms Fung said it was too early for her to map out the finer details of her aspirations in the new role. "Certainly I am committed to addressing the workload and pressures facing our nurse colleagues, with a dual focus on ensuring adequate supply of fresh graduates for the medium to longer term and in the shorter term to address the current levels of staff turnover. I will ensure good patient care through maintaining an appropriate workload balance for nurses."
Ends/Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:06
NNNN
